Rolling Hills Community Church True Grit: The Beauty


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Rolling Hills Community Church True Grit: The Beauty of Bravery Esther Chapter 1-2 Jeff Simmons April 8, 2018 “So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen…” Esther 2:17 Important to know the chronology and the context of the book of Esther: • Esther was written in 460bc – one of the last books of the OT. • The Jews (the Southern Kingdom) were conquered by the Babylonians in 605bc and the Jews were carried off into exile. • The Persians conquered the Babylonians and Cyrus decreed the Jews could return to their homeland in 539bc. But, not all of the Jews returned - many stayed. • Esther takes place in Susa – the palace complex of the Persian kings. The main purpose of the book: • To show how God protects His people • This book also shows the origination of the Jewish festival of Purim. This book is unique for two reasons: 1. There is no mention of God. It is assumed that God is in complete control. 2. It is named after a woman. This was a big deal! In the book, there is really one hero and two main characters: • God – God is the hero. The Sovereignty of God – He is always in control. • Esther – Main character: Becomes the queen. The beauty of bravery. • Mordecai – Main character: Esther’s relative who raised her (and possible author). Life-Lessons for us from Esther 1-2: 1. God is Sovereign a. God’s providence is always at work even when we don’t see Him or understand. b. Nothing happens by chance or accident. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 2. God uses men and women for His glory a. God is the hero and yet, God uses men and women to accomplish His will. b. We need to be champions of one another. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 3. Always be ready a. Develop your character and integrity. b. God is more interested in your character than your comfort. “In Him we were chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” Ephesians 1:11

4. Use your platform to further God’s Kingdom. a. Whatever your platform is, use it to further God’s Kingdom! “I have become all things to all men, so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 Taking It Home Esther is an incredible story of God’s Sovereign will in protecting His people. Although God’s Name is not mentioned in the entire book, His fingerprints are all over it. God is always at work redeeming and restoring. And, God wants to use His people as a part of His Redemptive story. Whatever platform God has given us, may we use it to further His Kingdom, and not simply our own. God used Esther, and God wants to use each of us to impact many others for His glory.